The large-scale protests that erupted nationwide following President Yoon Suk-yeol’s declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, were an expression of the people’s political dissatisfaction and social opposition—covered in Cover Story 1. Ever since parliament voted to impeach President Yoon in December due to his unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law, his supporters began to rally. Despite the freezing temperatures, the scale of participants in the rallies grew day by day as people sought to make their voices heard, desiring change for a better society. Cover Story 2 will focus on the occurrence of protests, the various participants, the changing protest culture, and the government’s response, examining the course of the protests.
Massive Rallies and Various Groups of Protesters
The pro-Yoon movement in Korea has found substantial support among evangelical Christian groups, many of whom hold conservative views shaped by Cold War-era ideology. These groups are led by prominent far-right figures such as Jeon Kwang-hoon, pastor of Sarang Jeil Presbyterian Church, and Son Hyun-bo, pastor of Segero Presbyterian Church. Both leaders have organized large-scale rallies advocating for President Yoon and opposing what they perceive as conspiracies aimed at undermining Korea’s democracy.
Jeon Kwang-hoon, a controversial figure, has been a driving force behind these rallies. He led a protest in Gwanghwamun that drew an estimated 35,000 participants, according to police (though organizers claimed 3 million). During the protest, Jeon urged protesters to gather 10 million people on March 1 to “express the people’s right to resist.” He has stirred controversy by praising Yoon’s declaration of martial law, calling it “a gift from God to the Korean church,” and linking his far-right political views to religious revelations. Jeon and his followers believe they are fighting against a conspiracy involving North Korea, China, and some domestic actors—particularly opposition political parties—whom they accuse of working to undermine Korea's democracy.
Son Hyun-bo, another influential pastor, has also mobilized significant support through his evangelical group, Save Korea. He organized one of the largest rallies at Park Jeong-hee Square near Dongdaegu Station, with police estimating 52,000 participants (organizers claimed 300,000). Protesters at the rally chanted slogans such as “Nullify the impeachment” and “Arrest Lee Jae-myung,” referring to the Democratic Party leader and a prominent opposition figure. These rallies demonstrate the strong political engagement of evangelical Christian groups, highlighting their significant influence among portions of Korea’s conservative population.
Beyond their support for President Yoon, these groups frame their actions as part of a broader struggle to preserve Korea’s democracy and combat alleged conspiracies. For example, one protester outside the Constitutional Court in Seoul justified Yoon’s declaration of martial law as necessary to expose what they believed was election fraud. The rhetoric at these rallies often intertwines far-right political views with religious fervor, solidifying the political involvement of these evangelical groups.
Meanwhile, protests opposing President Yoon have also drawn diverse participants, including students. At a rally, students criticized Yoon’s declaration of martial law, and his subsequent apology issued on Dec. 7, as well as lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) for boycotting the impeachment vote. Despite it being exam season, some students participated while balancing their studies, with laptops open to study or complete assignments during the demonstrations. This reflects the wide spectrum of societal engagement, from conservative evangelical groups to younger, more progressive voices, further underscoring the intense polarization in Korea’s current political landscape.
In addition to evangelical groups, university students nationwide have become a significant force in protests demanding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. A massive rally was held at Yonsei-ro in Sinchon, organized by the Student Union Forum, with students from 19 universities, including Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea University, Ewha Womans University, and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, participating. The protesters held signs reading “Yoon Suk Yeol, step down immediately” and chanted slogans such as “Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol now” and “We condemn martial law.” According to police estimates, approximately 5,000 protesters had gathered by 7:30 p.m. that evening.
Despite criticism from some adults who advised university students to avoid protests, claiming they are too young to engage in political matters, the students challenged such biases through their active participation. Their demonstrations emphasized their patriotism and their rights as individuals to voice their opinions on national issues. The rallies held at various universities across the country reflect the growing involvement of younger generations in Korea’s political landscape, underscoring their determination to demand accountability and protect democracy.
Changes in Protest Culture
As protest culture evolves, technology and social media have opened new avenues for involvement, allowing individuals to participate in movements even if they cannot physically attend rallies. One such innovative form of support is the “pre-payment” relay, where people express solidarity by prepaying for food and drinks for protesters. These acts of kindness have been widely shared on social media platforms like X and Instagram, amplifying their visibility and encouraging others to participate.
Restaurants and cafes near protest sites have been inundated with pre-orders from citizens showing their support for those on the front lines. Some supporters chose to remain anonymous, while others used the names of their favorite K-pop idols or actors/actresses to make their contributions, blending activism with fandom culture.
These gestures, though seemingly small, carry significant meaning for protesters. They not only provide practical assistance but also serve as powerful messages of solidarity and encouragement for those fighting for their rights. The rise of such creative and heartfelt expressions of support reflects how modern protest culture is being shaped by technology, social networks, and the collective efforts of a digitally connected society. Such acts demonstrate a sense of community and shared purpose, offering protesters both moral and material support during their fight for change.
K-pop light sticks, once exclusively used to support musicians, have now become powerful symbols of political protest. Traditionally, candles and candle-shaped LED lights were key symbols in rallies, but in the wake of the martial law protests, K-pop light sticks have taken on this symbolic role. Protesters now carry the light sticks of their favorite idol groups as a form of solidarity, blending fandom culture with political activism. Fans of BTS, EXO, Girls’ Generation, Aespa, and many other K-pop groups have joined the protests, proudly holding their light sticks to show their support for both their idols and the broader social and political movements.
At the rallies, cheerful K-pop songs such as Rosé's APT and Aespa’s Whiplash were played on loop, creating a lively and uplifting atmosphere. Protesters sang along to the music while waving their light sticks, turning the demonstrations into something resembling a concert or festival. The peaceful and vibrant nature of these “K-protests,” which were broadcast live worldwide, captured attention and admiration for Korea’s civic consciousness and creative approach to activism.
According to one protester on-site, “In the past, many people spat at the police or kicked their shields, but now the atmosphere of the protest has changed a lot, becoming more like a festival.” This shift marks a significant evolution in Korea’s protest culture. Rather than violent or aggressive demonstrations, the current movement emphasizes unity, peace, and shared passions such as music. By incorporating elements of fandom culture and joy, these protests transform what might have otherwise been intense and confrontational events into gatherings that celebrate collective action and solidarity, showcasing a unique and modern form of civic engagement.
The Power of Protests
Protests take on many forms—whether through boycotts, speeches, performance art, assemblies near symbolic locations, or acts of silent resistance—but they all share a common purpose: to drive change. Throughout history, protests have proven to be powerful tools that shape societies and challenge the status quo. At their core, they serve as a means for individuals and groups to express their rights, values, and demands, even when the desired outcomes are not always immediately achieved.
The ability to protest is not merely a societal privilege but a fundamental right that underscores the principles of democracy and freedom. It provides a platform for marginalized voices, fosters dialogue, and holds those in power accountable. However, this right is only meaningful when it is safeguarded—free from the threat of criminal punishment, intimidation, or violence. Protecting the right to protest is essential to ensuring a just and equitable society, and it is a responsibility that must be upheld at all costs.
The Sogang Herald believes that everyone has the right to hold unique values and beliefs, making it vital to acknowledge the diversity of perspectives within any movement or party. Students are encouraged to form their own strong political views, independent of popular opinions or misinformation. Political ideologies cannot be reduced to simple black-and-white categories, and no one should be marginalized or harmed for having differing political stances—particularly when those stances are based on personal values rather than the influence of public opinion or community preferences. While this article reflects on the nation’s massive movement, Cover Story 3 will further explore the political, economic, and cultural consequences of the declaration of martial law, as well as the diverse opinions on President Yoon’s impeachment.
By Dayun Youn (Photo Editor)
